Thin-ice dynamics and ice production in the Storfjorden polynya for winter seasons 2002/2003-2013/2014 using MODIS thermal infrared imagery

摘要: Abstract. Spatial and temporal characteristics of the Storfjorden polynya, which forms regularly in proximity islands Spitsbergen, Barentsoya Edgeoya Svalbard archipelago under influence strong northeasterly winds, have been investigated for period 2002/2003 to 2013/2014 using thermal infrared satellite imagery. Thin-ice thicknesses were calculated from MODIS ice-surface temperatures combined with ECMWF ERA-Interim atmospheric reanalysis data an energy-balance model. Associated quantities like polynya area total ice production derived compared previous remote sensing modeling studies. A basic coverage-correction scheme was applied account cloud gaps daily composites. On average, both are thereby increased by about 30%. The sea experiences a late fall freeze-up several years over 12-winter period, becomes most apparent through increasing frequency large thin-ice areas until end December. In course average winter season, below 10 cm dominating within basin. During regarded mean is 4555.7 ± 1542.9 km2. Maximum rates can reach as high 26 d−1, while estimated at 28.3 8.5 km3 per therefore lower than Despite this comparatively short record 12 seasons, significant positive trend 20.2 decade could be detected, originates primarily delayed November December recent seasons. This contrasts earlier reports slightly negative accumulated prior 2002. Although featuring more pronounced interannual variations between 2004/2005 2011/2012, our estimates underline importance relatively small coastal system considering its contribution cold halocline layer salt release during ice-formation processes. addition, quasi-daily thickness charts represent valuable set atmosphere ocean applications.